More

The GHSA Football Playoffs End This Weekend At The Georgia Dome

December 9, 2013 1:46 PM

This season for High School football in the state of Georgia was “GREAT”!!! The 2013 season will end this weekend at the Georgia Dome as 12 teams fight for an opportunity to call themselves “Champions” in their classification. This past week in Class AAAAAA, I was 2-0 on my predictions that bring my playoffs prediction to 23/30 (77%…which is really good!). Two of the most “respected” programs in Gwinnett County will be having a “rematch” battle for the Class AAAAAA championship as the North Gwinnett Bulldogs take on the Norcross Blue Devils (North Gwinnett beat Norcross 36-17 in September). I have watched several games this season in person (and on T.V.) of these two teams and i can’t wait to see the rematch at the Georgia Dome. Both North Gwinnett and Norcross have Top 10 defensive units in the state of Georgia and can line up with different schemes to confuse the counterpart’s offensive scheme.

The major problem with Norcross’s defense is that they have played “soft” against top-notch competition. If they plays up their “potential’ than it could be a “LONG” night for the North Gwinnet’s offense. I have been a fan of Norcross football program since 2006. They have produced several good collegiate players and have been this generation version of Parkview (in Gwinnett County). Quarterback A.J. Bush has been very consistent all season. He rushed the ball 14 times for 113 yards in the semi-finals matchup against Colquitt Co. He has not only been a productive runner, but he has “good” arm strength as well. Norcross has had problems all season with having penalties (8 penalties for 108 yards vs. Colquitt County). If they can decrease their “careless” mistakes, than Norcross could be one of the best teams in the southeast.

North Gwinnett has one of the most “underrated” defense in the state of Georgia!! They are “hawks” when it comes to pass coverage and their ability to make open field tackles is unbelievable! North Gwinnett is going to have to count on their own running back, C.J. Leggett (36 carries for 287 yards against McEachern). Besides having Leggett running the ball, they have a good offensive scheme as well. They will be able to change up on their opponents with play-action and different multiple running back sets to keep the competition off-guarded. A lot of people have asked me (since Friday’s semi-finals matchups) what direction will I take for this championship game this weekend at the Georgia Dome! I think both teams will score in the 20’s and both defenses will show up. Whereas I like North Gwinnett’s defense, I think Norcross has too much talent on their offense. I am going to take Norcross to repeat as state champion and get some ‘revenge’ from their first meeting. The final score will be:

Norcross 27 North Gwinnett 21

Until Next week…

*Kurt Johnson is a programming intern/sports bloggerfor Atlanta Sports Radio 92-9 The Game in Atlanta. You can contact Kurt at kjoh1984@yahoo.com or follow him on twitter @kjexperience.